The Best Vegan Restaurants in Los Angeles

Plant-based diets have spread like agave, and Los Angeles is fortunate enough to have vegan hotspots in every neighborhood. Wherever you may find yourself in this expansive city, vegan food is never far away. Whether you're celebrating World Vegan Month in November, or you're looking for the best vegan restaurants in your area, here is a list of ten local faves across Los Angeles.

Au Lac Downtown Los Angeles

Tucked away in the Promenade Plaza, Au Lac is an upscale gem that offers imaginative raw and Vietnamese fusion dishes. The salt and pepper yam “shrimp” are eerily real, while the rich desserts are perfect for sharing. It's a good place for celebrity sightings, but the true star is Chef Ito, who has taken a vow of silence and just might grace you with a visit your table. Don’t forget to ask the server about the “secret menu.”

by CHLOE.

Cupcake Wars winners, Chloe Coscarelli and Samantha Wasser, opened a Silver Lake version of their New York eatery in May 2016. Nestled inside the 365 by Whole Foods Market, by CHLOE. is fast food at its finest, with innovative grub like Portobello meatball sandwiches, sweet potato-based mac-n-cheese, quinoa hash browns, beet ketchup and much, much more.

Cafe Gratitude Larchmont

The mission at Café Gratitude is to honor the earth and our bodies by using the finest organic ingredients. Serving both raw and cooked foods, this popular vegan spot gives diners a truly unique experience. Be ready to feel an instant connection to the food the moment you read the menu. The dishes are thoughtfully named after self-affirmations that will shape your perspective on food. Standout dishes include "I am Humble" Indian curry bowl and “I am Liberated,” made with marinated kelp noodles, heirloom cherry tomatoes, local black and green olives, wild arugula, basil hempseed pesto, cashew ricotta and Brazil nut parmesan.

After a day of walking around Santa Monica, head to Erven for the New American offerings of Chef Nick Erven (Saint Martha, Fundamental LA). Try unique "Snackables" such as fried date pickles and donut holes with sauerkraut and applesauce, taste the Korean gnocchi or adorable "tiny beets" as "Shareables," or take on the enormous beer-battered tofu sandwich all by yourself from their "Principles" menu. “Slurpable” soups like tomato-kimchi or sweets and salads to-go from the deli are good takeaways, too.

Flore Vegan Cuisine

You can’t beat the healthy home-style cooking at this little Silver Lake favorite. The best vegan biscuits and gravy in the West, consistently great service, and the gluten-free friendly menu make Flore a cozy place for a rendezvous. It's easy to see why Zagat has called Flore a “vegan lover’s dream.”

Gracias Madre

Many people expect top notch Mexican fare in California and Gracias Madre is the place to bring someone with that agenda. The stunning decor makes the dining experience special. Step out into the lively courtyard and enjoy your meal outdoors. The guacamole is exemplary, so be sure to order some for the table. Make reservations in advance, it’s a very popular spot in West Hollywood.

The Grain Café

Vegan crepes galore and breakfast all day long in Mid-City—what more could you ask for? The Grain Café has plenty of wraps, Oaxacan Mexican entrees, salads, and pastries, too. There’s an emphasis on organic and the fancy coffees and teas do not disappoint. Whatever you do—get the guacamole.

Kippy's Organic Non-Dairy Ice Cream Shop

If you’re with someone who is skeptical about plant-based food, try introducing them to vegan dessert first. Kippy’s creates their dairy-free ice cream by combining raw and organic coconut cream, fresh fruit and unheated honey. Most of the options include honey, so for vegans that don’t consume it, they do always offer at least one date-sweetened ice cream option.

Organix

Part organic market, part vegan “Mexicatessan,” Organix is a quaint family-run spot in Eagle Rock that offers Americana with a twist. From the perfectly-spiced barbacoa tacos to their butternut squash- based Castro burger, every dish is a winner. Call orders in ahead if you're in a hurry, and wash it all down with a custom juice or seasonal smoothie. On the way out, grab some treats made by local gluten-free cookie queen, the Shugah Mama.

Satdha Plant-Based Thai Kitchen

Magic happens at Satdtha Plant-Based Thai Kitchen in Santa Monica. Forget the words “plant-based” – diners can only focus on how remarkable the cuisine is, vegan or not. The always-packed, stylishly decorated restaurant knows how to deliver some of the best Thai food in L.A. No experience is complete without the Tom Kha soup, so make sure to start there. Pad Thai and beet dyed noodles are always crowd favorites. Fans of curry should order the Green Curry, although you can’t go wrong with any of their curry options. Leave room for dessert; the tapioca pudding is a unique treat that’s sure to blow you away.

Sage Vegan Bistro - Echo Park

Sage connects people to plant-based cuisine using locally sourced ingredients to create comforting flavors. This bistro reminds us that great food experiences can be achieved with compassion. Vegans and non-vegans alike are sure to be intrigued by a number of dishes on the menu. Make sure to stop by this neighborhood gem in Echo Park before you check out a show at one of the nearby music venues. Don’t forget to grab the buffalo cauliflower "hot wings" for an appetizer; you will not be disappointed.

Shojin

Perfect for date night, Shojin offers macrobiotic vegan sushi in a fine dining setting in Little Tokyo. An extensive menu of flavor-popping creations and a large selection of sakes are sure to please even the pickiest palates. It's reassuring to see their “no chemical preservatives, no artificial color and no chemical seasonings” promise on the menu, too.

Stuff I Eat

This vegan soul food / Cali-Mex restaurant in Inglewood serves up fresh comfort cuisine and "to-live-for" raw desserts. European-style communal tables, art by locals on the walls, and one of the best brunches in Los Angeles make Stuff I Eat a mouthwatering experience. Chef Babette embodies the healthy vegan lifestyle and her menu is an extension of her vivacious spirit.

Vinh Loi Tofu

In an unassuming strip mall deep in the heart of Reseda, sits the small but mighty Vinh Loi Tofu, a Vietnamese vegan joint so well-loved that regulars let owner Kevin Tran order for them. Just tell him what flavors or textures you’re in the mood for and he’ll suggest something “better than what’s on the menu.” He’s embraced his eccentricity lately by way of his new t-shirts: “I Pick—You Eat” and “If You Want the Best, You Can’t Request…” Yes, the food is that good and we trust him that much.

Vromage

From the blond butcher block tables to charismatic cheesemonger Youssef Fakhouri running around behind the counter, Vromage is delightful. Stop by L.A.’s first vegan cheese shop for lunch (the tiny menu offers pizza, salad and sandwiches) or grab a hunk of muenster, brie, "veganzola" or gouda to go. All cheeses are nut-based and dairy-free. Some are good for melting while others are best for party platters. Vromage ships internationally, too!